Profile Evaluation (HBS 2+2)

[SimpleGuy]

Hello,

University: Rutgers University
GPA: 3.88
Majors: BS in Finance & BA in Economics - Considering doing honors thesis but most likely won't.
Honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Beta Gamma Sigma
Graduation: 2014
SAT: 2220 (800 CR, 770 Math, 650 Writing)
GMAT: Scoring 700-740 in practice tests, aiming for 750+ (Scoring more strongly on verbal)
Profile: South Asian, Male
Internships:
J&J/Colgate/P&G Finance Intern (One of them) (Summer 2012)
Equity Research Intern (in investment bank) @ Credit Suisse/Deutsche Bank/Citi (Summer 2013)
Clubs:
Investment clubs (president of one), Mentorship for HS students
Extracurriculars: Half-marathon, tough mudder

Aiming to apply to HBS 2+2 in Round 2.

Do I have a shot? Are there any other programs at M7 schools similar to 2+2? (Definitely don't want to go straight to B-school) How tangible is the difference between applying in round 1 vs 2?

Also very curious, how much if at all would writing a senior interdisciplinary honors thesis help?

Thank you for your help!

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi there,

Thanks for sharing your profile. Overall if you do nail the GMAT as you are hopeful to based on your practice test scores, you should have a chance at HBS 2+2. It is still not a slam-dunk, because the program is just SO competitive (accepted 9% of applicants last year), so EVERYONE has to 'stand out' from the crowd to be accepted, even competitive applicants.

Your strong GPA, extracurricular involvements, and internships at reputable organizations are all strengths. To further support a strong application and really gain an edge in the process, you will want to be sure to explain more about what you achieved, accomplished, and learned at those internships as well as in your extracurricular involvements. You'll want to focus on what makes YOU unique and interesting compared with other applicants and what you will bring to the class, so focus on that as you are brainstorming now and work to incorporate those elements throughout your application and in particular your essays.

In terms of Round 1 vs 2, they are not given different 'weight' per se, and ultimately you should apply as early as you can, but only WHEN your application is ready--i.e. don't rush it and blow it. ;) It is true that just mathematically, with each round that comes, more seats HAVE been given out, so that is good to keep in mind too!

In terms of your thesis, I would say it would be a small plus. More so if it were on a topic that you were really passionate about and might touch on in say an interview, as relevant to your career goals. So not a huge factor but a small plus.

Other similar programs would be Yale Silver Scholars (technically not M7), and Stanford also has a deferred admission program for seniors.

Good luck, and let us know what other q's you have!